The phrase "gat a lather" is a colloquial expression that means to become angry or agitated. It can be spelled "get a lather" as well. The "gat" spelling is informal and dialectal, with a long "a" vowel sound (IPA symbol: /eɪ/) in "gat" and a short "a" (IPA symbol: /æ/) in "a lather." The word "lather" refers to a foamy substance produced by soap or sweat, which metaphorically suggests a heightened emotional state. So, "gat a lather" means to work oneself up into an emotional froth.
"Got a lather" is an informal English idiomatic expression used to convey the state of becoming excessively heated, agitated, or excited, typically in response to a particular situation, conversation, or controversy. The phrase originates from the imagery of a horse covered in sweat and foam, known as a "lather," after exerting significant physical effort. When someone says that they "got a lather," they are metaphorically stating that they have reached a level of intense emotional or mental stimulation.
The expression is commonly used to describe the heightened state of being impassioned, furious, or indignant due to a particular set of circumstances. For instance, one might say that a person "got a lather" when they are engaged in a lively debate, during which they become fervently animated or agitated. Alternatively, it can refer to instances where someone becomes highly emotional or worked up about a contentious issue, often resulting in a display of passionate or fiery behavior.
In popular usage, the phrase "got a lather" is generally understood to express the idea of reaching a point of intense emotional arousal or fervor. It typically conveys a sense of the individual being overwhelmed by their feelings or provoked by the situation at hand.